At 34, Van Dijk's time as Liverpool captain won't continue for much longer, and Arne Slot was even asked in a recent press conference about who could replace the defender in the years to come
14:32, 18 Feb 2026Updated 14:41, 18 Feb 2026
Dominik Szoboszlai celebrates with Virgil van Dijk
Virgil van Dijk has said Dominik Szoboszlai has all the credentials needed to be Liverpool's next captain
Virgil van Dijk has said Dominik Szoboszlai is capable of making the "next step" and becoming Liverpool captain in the future.
The Hungarian midfielder is enjoy a spectacular season at Anfield and has been the club's best player by some distance. That's despite playing in multiple positions throughout the campaign. Mohamed Salah last week said Szoboszlai is among the best players in the world, while he has even been compared to Steven Gerrard in the last week.
From one Liverpool no.8 to another, Szoboszlai's leadership and capacity to produce game-changing moments have been vital this season, leading to calls for him to one day inherit the armband.
That is firmly under the responsibly of Van Dijk for now, but at 34, the Dutchman's time as captain is surely in its latter stages.
He clearly thinks Szoboszlai is a candidate to take over take over the mantle.
"Obviously he has been very good. Also a player who I think can still make the next step in terms of being a leader for this team," said Van Dijk after Liverpool's FA Cup over Brighton & Hove Albion last weekend.
"It starts by leading by example and that's something he has done so far this season.
"But also everything around it; there is still progress to be made and that's a good thing in my opinion so hopefully he will be very important for the years to come at Liverpool."
Article continues below
Asked on Saturday about Szoboszlai's potential to one day become Liverpool captain, Slot said: "Yes, but he’s still young. I think he has a lot of attributes already, especially when it comes to leading by example."